NAPOLCOM Okays Creation of PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved the creation of the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) to implement the anti-illegal drug strategy of the PNP in support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

This was announced by Interior and Local Government Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento after the Commission issued Resolution No. 2015-547 dated October 30, 2015 which approved the establishment of the PNP-AIDG as a national operational support unit of the PNP.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the PNP-AIDG is mandated to conduct all-out and sustained operations against drug syndicates and personalities in support of the programs and thrusts of the PDEA.

The PNP-AIDG is also tasked to strengthen its operational capabilities to enhance the overall anti-illegal drugs strategy of the PNP and intensify its campaign against the production, processing, trafficking and retailing of illegal drugs.

The Commission also enjoined the PNP-AIDG to maintain linkages with other law enforcement agencies and strengthen community participation in the fight against illegal drugs.

Escueta said that the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) which was established under the Office of the Chief, PNP shall serve as a nucleus of the PNP-AIDG. Its personnel, records, equipment, facilities, funds and other resources shall be absorbed and transferred to the newly-activated PNP-AIDG.

Before the PDEA was established in 2002, the PNP had a Narcotics Unit which was mandated to enforce all laws relative to the protection of the citizenry against dangerous and other prohibited drugs and substances.

However, upon the creation of the PDEA under Republic Act No. 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” the PNP Narcotics Group was abolished.

Former DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, in a letter to the PNP dated July 29, 2014, said that there is “nothing in RA 9165 that prohibits the PNP from setting up a permanent Narcotics Investigation and Monitoring Center (NIMC), so long as it complies with the provisions of RA 9165 on the relationship of this PNP unit to the PDEA.”

“The NAPOLCOM therefore approved the creation of the PNP-AIDG to support the PDEA in its relentless campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal drug activities in the country,” Escueta said.

Source: www.napolcom.gov.ph